Formed by a group of aspiring rock musicians from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, Poison moved to Los Angeles, California in search of fame. Poison's music was characterized by relatively simple (but undeniably catchy) melodies and anthemic guitar riffs, way overblown hair, feminizing make-up, and frenetic stageshows.

To many, Poison was the epitome of glam metal; for fans, this meant a straightforward celebration of hedonism; for critics, this meant music which was uninspired and unimportant.

Tonight, and with opener Cinderella first up and having torn through a tight set of their best-known songs such as "Fallin' Apart at the Seams," "Hot and Bothered" and "Don't Know What Your Got," anyone that had any doubts about Poison's ability to entertain a sold-out to the open fields gig was put firmly in their place!

With the Poison logo of 'XX' (20th Anniversary) high and proud as the back drop, the foursome took the stage one at a time, leading off with the hair metal anthem 'Look What the Cat Dragged In.' Dashed left right and center by the thin lime green laser rays emanating from behind the drum set, lead singer Bret Michaels - the consummate frontman if ever there were - keeps the party going with 'I Want Action,' their new cover of 'We're An American Band,' 'I Won't Forget You,' and 'Ride The Wind.'

Dressed in black pants, a Poison T-shirt with the sleeves cut off and his new trademark straw cowboy hat, Michaels in the ringmaster supreme out there. And sure he's put on a few pounds and sure his voice isn't quite what it used to be, but man does he make up for all that with a wickedly energetic stage presence.

Guitarist C.C. DeVille tears through most of the songs like he's clutching a chainsaw, but it's his moment in the spotlight next when just after throwing out a 'Catch Scratch Fever' riff he breaks out his Gibson Flying Vinto for two somewhat (in truth) meandering guitar solos. Then he's at the mic and singing a song entitled 'I Hate Every Bone In Your Body,' before a T-shirt changed Michaels is back and singing 'Cry Tough.'

Dedicating, as usual, 'Something To Believe In' to all the men and women of the armed forces, Posion then stomp their way through both 'Your Mama Don't Dance' and 'Fallen Angel,' before Rocket gets his moment to shine on the drums. 'Every Rose Has It's Thorn' follows and is then backed by a rousing rendition of 'Unskinny Bop' - complete with old photos of the band in their heyday!

Bringing the show to a close with the rip-roaring, and always highly-anticipated 'Nothin' But A Good Time' - which also includes a specially-written Motor City rap - they come back out for the encore with 'Talk Dirty To Me' and are then gone, for another year.

Review by Russell A. Trunk
Photo by Julio Jimenez